November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) is reflecting on the success of its Lung Cancer Screening programme.
Over 8500 people have been invited for a lung check since the programme began back in July 2024, with over 2000 people going onto have a CT scan and 34 cancers being diagnosed and treated as a direct result of the programme.
The lung health check helps to identify potential issues earlier and people then receive treatment and support sooner. The initiative has been credited with increasing awareness of respiratory health and reducing delays in diagnosis.
Lauren Hughes, Lung Cancer screening lead said:
“The first year of the Lung Health Programme has shown how early detection really can save lives. We’re proud of the impact the programme is having and want more people to take up the offer for the free lung health check. If you are invited to take part, please do so, you never know it could save your life.”
David Addison, 63 from Whitehaven was invited for a lung health check by the team and then he was referred for a CT scan which detected two small nodules. The nodules turned out to be lung cancer.
David said of his early diagnosis:
“I’ve found out they call lung cancer the hidden killer, by the time you get symptoms it’s often too late. If you get an opportunity to find it early, then you’ve got to take it. After I had my diagnosis, I met with Dr Lane, (Consultant Physician, Respiratory Medicine at NCIC) and he said to me, ‘If we were having this conversation in 2/3 years’ time, we would not be sitting here talking about a cure’.
David went on to have surgery and is now clear of lung cancer.
As well as the Lung cancer screening programme and as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting those affected by lung conditions, NCIC has now established a Lung Cancer Support Group. The group provides a welcoming space for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, as well as their families and carers, to share experiences, gain information, and receive support.
Chris Bowman, Clinical nurse specialist in Respiratory at NCIC said: “We’re excited to launch our new Lung Cancer Support Group, which offers those who are dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis as well as those people around them the chance to talk, gain some practical support and meet other people in a similar position. A cancer diagnosis can feel incredibly lonely and we want to assure people they are not alone in their journey.”
The launch of the support group coincides with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of symptoms, encouraging people to get checked, and breaking down stigma around the disease.
Lauren added:
“Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that anyone with a persistent cough, breathlessness, or chest pain should speak to their GP. The earlier we catch a lung cancer, the better the outcomes.”
For more information about the Lung Health Programme or the new Lung Cancer Support please visit our Lung cancer screening webpage.